The Detroit Pistons' 2025 Pride Night electrified Little Caesars Arena with a vibrant fusion of community pride, inclusive celebration and high-energy basketball on March 28. The sold-out clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers featured a Pride section filled with enthusiastic fans sporting their colorful Pistons Pride jerseys. The Pistons dominated with a thrilling 133-122 victory, continuing their remarkable turnaround season after enduring one of the worst records in franchise history last year.
Ahead of the game, PRISM Gay Men and Allies Chorus delivered a moving performance of the National Anthem that set the tone for captivated spectators. The renowned chorus, celebrated for building community through music, created a powerful moment of visibility to kick off the evening's festivities.
Check out our gallery featuring images supplied by the Pistons:
The crowd erupted during halftime when the dynamic Pistons Dancers performed alongside DJ Nicole Myint (@djmyint) and local drag performers. DJ Myint posted to Instagram: "Last night's vibes were unreal! Wrapped up an incredible Pride Night halftime performance for the @detroitpistons, and I'm beyond grateful for every opportunity to bring energy and music to the city I love. To the entire entertainment team and the Queens, you shined, and it was absolutely beautiful. Detroit's sports community is truly something special — the love, the passion, the unity. Y'all make these moments unforgettable!"
Drag performer JahJah Shee (@jahjahshee) impressed the audience with her standout appearance during the halftime show. After sharing photos from the show, followers posted comments like: "The way I SCREAMED when you were on the big screen. Absolutely obsessed with you."
Marriage equality pioneers April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse received a standing ovation in the Pride section when they appeared on the jumbotron. The Michigan nurses made history as plaintiffs in the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide after they initially fought for adoption rights in their home state.
The night drew representatives from numerous LGBTQ+ organizations across Michigan, including MiGen, Equality Michigan and Affirmations, showcasing the Pistons' strong commitment to community engagement beyond the court.
Pride Night has transformed significantly since its inception 11 years ago. What began as a simple game night has evolved into an immersive experience featuring networking opportunities, engaging performances and comprehensive all-inclusive packages. This year's Pride Party seating area offered unlimited concessions and commemorative jerseys that became the night's most sought-after souvenir.
"The Detroit Pistons are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community through our annual Pride Night, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive environment for all," Melanie Harris, Detroit Pistons president of business operations, told BTL in a recent article. "We believe in using the power of basketball to unite and create a space where everyone is embraced for who they are."
The celebration continued long after the final buzzer, with many attendees heading to Soho in Ferndale for an energetic afterparty. The evening stood as a testament to the Pistons' unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a special atmosphere where sports and identity celebration came together.
Topics: News Michigan
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